So the theories were true: there IS something wrong with the World Cup Ball after all.  Fans watching from home might hate the annoying endless drone of the vuvuzelas, but it probably doesn’t compare to how much the players begrudge the Jabulini ball.  The ball, made specially for the World Cup was designed by boffins at Loughborough University, England.  In an attempt to make a ball with exceptional aerodynamics, these geniuses may have missed the goal.  Perfection, it seems, can be problematic.

In designing the ball a couple unique strategies were used.  For one, whereas the panels  of the ball are normally stiched on the outside, this time they were stitched internally.  This is intended to produce a ball that is an almost perfect sphere.  Along with  Adidas’ “Grip’n'Groove” technology the result intended was a ball that was easier to handle and flew more consistently. 

Scientists in France have proved this isn’t the case.  The AFP reports:

“Part of the problem may be that “the stitches of the Jabulani are internal, so the ball resembles a perfect sphere,” said Eric Berton, deputy director of the Institute of the Science of Movement in Marseille, France.

“Because of the shape, the time of contact with the foot is reduced. As a consequence, it practically doesn’t spin. The ball travels a little less far, and will have a floating and unpredictable trajectory, whether for a striker or a goalkeeper.”

Wind tunnel tests have also been done on the ball by Scientists in Japan, Austrailia, and California and they concluded that the ball is a little “goofy” thanks to it’s uncanny ability to slow down mid-flight. 

Whether or not the ball travels as far is up for debate but most of the players agree that it is unpredictable.  There are some who seem to like the ball, but it might be interesting to see who this minority is sponsored by. 

In other World Cup news scientists have not yet discovered why Cristiano Ronaldo was seen spitting after Team Portugal’s loss against Spain.  They think it might have something to do with the fact that he and his team LOST THE MATCH. (further studies are needed)

In any case, his 1-0 defeat in a close game against Spain has set off a sponaneous negative reaction from the player who has seemed to fall into a sudden and extreme pit of despair. 

Not something a riot of swimsuit models couldn’t cure, right?

Check out how to get your body ripped like Ronaldo’s here.